December is a month filled with celebrations and gatherings.  Hanukkah, Christmas, and Kwanzaa are all observed in the final month of 2022.  Make the most of your family get-togethers with these fun eResources available for FREE through the Michigan eLibrary (MeL)!

With multiple generations converging in one place, things can be chaotic.  Keep everyone connected by having younger family members interact with older family members through the Interview Your Grandparents and Draw a Family Tree activities highlighted in the eBook 25 Fun Things to Do with Your Friends and Family by Paul Mason.  Continue the rich intergenerational conversations by exploring other fun titles found in the EBSCO eBook Public Library Collection.  If your family enjoys learning about holidays and celebrations around the world, you will want to dive into the Cultural Traditions in My World series comprised of 18 books focusing on countries such as Australia and Vietnam. Toys and Games in Different Places by Robin Johnson includes traditions from the United States and around the world including the dreidel game played by many Jewish children during Hanukkah.  Finally, Game On! Screen-Free Fun for Children Two and Up by Linda J. Armstrong provides myriad options for keeping everyone entertained with classic children’s games.

Of course, no gathering is complete without food!  Cranberries grace many a holiday table, but did you know that we have American Indians to thank for this tart treat along with many other favorite foods?  The History Reference Center article entitled Cranberries A Holiday Tradition, originally published in History Magazine, shares the vital role this fruit has played throughout history.  Baking cookies is a great activity to bring all ages together. Danielle Rye’s Live Well Bake Cookies: 75 Classic Cookie Recipes for Every Occasion is just one of many cookbooks available through the eBook Public Library Collection. 

Handmade gifts and classic games come together in the Hobbies & Crafts Reference Center.  This eResource is filled with activities such as Making Dominoes with a CNC Router from Woodworker’s Journal and Checkers to Go from Clotilde’s Sewing Savvy.  Recycle scraps from your wood bin to build a toy airplane or grab some extra fat quarters from your quilting fabric to make a tic-tac-toe game.

However you choose to spend your December celebrations, the MeL team hopes your gatherings are filled with joy, meaningful conversations, and time to learn more about each other and the world around you. 

If you have any MeL eResources questions or issues, contact melerhelp@mcls.org.

Brought to you by Heather Wood-Gramza from the MeL Team. 

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MeL eResources are available to Michigan residents or for Michigan library or school access only. 

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